While officials report that emissions levels have decreased, Adrian Bryant, Civic Information Specialist at Civic Lexington, says this is a misconception. Global warming and climate change are no longer concepts that the Lexington community can ignore.
Although it’s true that from 2007 to 2021, the city’s carbon emissions per resident dropped from 24.4 to 18.1 metric tons of CO2e, Bryant said, “If Lexington continues with no major changes in operations and energy initiatives, CO2e emissions will increase by 30% by 2050.”
In response, Fayette County, along with four other counties, has established an Environmental Protection Agency initiative to reduce its carbon footprint. Kentucky is submitting its Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for Lexington-Fayette County to the U.S. EPA on February 29.
A Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) outlining sustainable economic development strategies will be released in 2025. In the meantime, local communities have started making small changes to support the cause.
Adopt-A-Park
One of the newest initiatives is Lexington’s Adopt-A-Park program, a partnership with Leadership Lexington Class of 2024.
This program allows businesses and organizations to “adopt” a park, hosting cleanups, maintenance, play-access projects, and beautification efforts to help both the community and the planet.
Recycling
Coal extraction is a major contributor to Kentucky’s carbon emissions, accounting for about 14% of the state’s total emissions. While extraction has been regulated, its environmental impacts persist.
One simple solution to reduce emissions is recycling. By recycling, we decrease the need for virgin materials like coal, petroleum, and plastics, cutting down on the energy used in production.
Students at Dunbar have formed a Recycling Club that has placed recycling bins in all classrooms to collect paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard—materials that would otherwise be thrown away and contribute to emissions.
Club members empty the bins every other week, ensuring the materials are properly recycled.
“I know how important recycling is to the environment and my community,” junior Kara Brown said.
Whether it’s recycling, walking instead of driving, or reducing food waste, every action counts.
